IEEE 142-1991

IEEE 142-1991 is the recommended practice for grounding industrial and commercial power systems, providing guidance for planning, installation, and evaluation of grounding methods. In the context of power, energy, and industry applications, it helps engineers address system safety, equipment protection, and reliable operation through sound grounding practice. The document is especially useful where electrical distribution, fault control, and stray current management can affect performance and personnel safety.

IEEE 142-1991 overview

This standard focuses on grounding as a technical discipline for industrial and commercial power systems, where the connection between electrical equipment and earth can influence stability and fault behavior. IEEE 142-1991 is intended to support consistent engineering decisions for grounding arrangements, conductor selection, and system reference practices. As a superseded document, it remains relevant for understanding legacy design approaches and for reviewing older installations that may still reflect its guidance.

Typical use cases

IEEE 142-1991 is commonly used when assessing grounding for plant distribution networks, commercial building electrical systems, substations, and sensitive power equipment. It may also support maintenance planning, retrofit work, and troubleshooting where grounding performance affects equipment operation or protective device coordination. Engineers and facility teams often refer to it during design reviews, installation checks, and documentation of grounding methods for industrial processes, utility-connected facilities, and other power systems.

Why this standard matters

Grounding practice has direct implications for safety, reliability, and system behavior, which is why IEEE 142-1991 remains important for technical review and legacy compliance work. Clear grounding guidance can reduce electrical hazards, limit equipment damage, and improve fault handling in power systems. For procurement, engineering, and maintenance teams, the standard provides a common reference point that helps support consistent decisions, better documentation, and more predictable performance in industrial and commercial environments.

• Grounding guidance for industrial and commercial power systems
• Legacy reference for older electrical installations
• Useful for design review and maintenance planning
• Supports safety, fault control, and equipment protection